“It’s great the crew gets to experience Guam,” said Capt. Buzz Donnelly, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “It’s hard to grasp the true diversity of our country without understanding the culture and impact of the United States’ westernmost territory. We certainly look forward to everything that Guam has to offer.”

The crew will have the chance to experience local culture and participate in a variety of command-sponsored projects and tours. Ronald Reagan’s Command Religious Ministries Department has planned 10 projects for Sailors to interact with the local community, including elementary school visits, an animal shelter cleanup and various beautification efforts.

“The reason we do these kind of projects is to be good ambassadors to the local communities we visit,” said Cmdr. David Yang, command chaplain. “Whether it’s Guam or our homeport of Yokosuka, we want to show good will, and that is our responsibility; to serve.”

During the visit, Sailors will also have an opportunity to experience Guam through 22 tours offered by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department. Tour packages range from deep-water diving to country-club golf outings.

“I’m going on three trips,” said Aviation Ordanceman Airman Brady Pettit, from Salem, Oregon. “It’s pretty great having somebody else show me some of the cool things to do.”